As the 2026 State Election approaches, Golden Plains Shire Council has identified eight key priority areas and is calling for bipartisan commitment to progress the essential infrastructure and services needed for our growing communities.
2026 State Election Priority Projects
- Improved Public and Active Transport
- Increased Investment in Road Safety, Roads and Active Transport
- Investment in Tracks and Trails
- Investment in Emergency Services and Community Safety
- Sewerage Infrastructure for Supporting Growth
- Investment in Early Years, Young People and Liveability
- Scrapping the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF)
- Mobile and Digital Connectivity Across the Golden Plains
State Election: Eureka Electorate
Golden Plains Shire townships in the electorate of Eureka include Meredith, Shelford, Lethbridge, Rokewood, Dereel, Mount Mercer, Teesdale, Inverleigh and She Oaks.
In the electorate of Eureka, Council is seeking commitments to advance the following priority projects:
- Midland Highway Duplication
- Urches Road, Werneth Upgrade
- Increased Public Bus Services
- Bannockburn to Teesdale Off-Road Trail
- Sewerage Infrastructure for Meredith
- Teesdale Turtle Bend Reserve Upgrade
- Lethbridge Active Play Space
- New Kindergartens in Inverleigh and Lethbridge
State Election: Geelong Electorate
Golden Plains Shire townships in the electorate of Geelong include Bannockburn, Batesford, Murgheboluc, Stonehaven, Russells Bridge and Gheringhap.
In the electorate of Geelong, Council is seeking commitments to advance the following priority projects:
- Passenger Rail from Bannockburn to Geelong
- Increased Public Bus Services
- Midland Highway Duplication
- Moorabool River Reserve Playspace (Batesford)
- New Bannockburn Kindergarten
- Off-road Trails Connecting Townships
- Road Upgrades
State Election: Ripon Electorate
Golden Plains Shire townships in the Ripon electorate include Haddon, Ross Creek, Napoleons, Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton.
In the electorate of Ripon, Council is seeking commitments to advance the following priority projects:
- Increased Public Transport Services
- Smythesdale Sub-Regional Play Space
- Ambulance Victoria Station in Smythesdale
- Kindergarten Woady Yaloak Upgrade
- Trail Connecting Ross Creek and Smythesdale
All Electorates
- Scrapping the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESFV) Levy
- Mobile and Digital Connectivity Across Golden Plains
- Increased Emergency Services Across the Golden Plains Shire
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey says Council is dedicated to advocating for commitments that benefit and support the people and townships of Golden Plains Shire.
“Our towns and rural communities continue to attract families, businesses and investment because of our location, our strong sense of community and the lifestyle that regional Victoria offers,” Cr Sharkey said.
“Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings responsibility. As our population increases, so does the demand on our infrastructure, services and community facilities,” he said.
“The priorities we’ve identified are evidence-based, shaped by community feedback and aligned with State Government responsibilities, addressing both local needs and Shire-wide challenges such as transport, road safety and digital connectivity,” he said.
“This advocacy is about partnership, not politics. We’re committed to working constructively with whichever government is elected in 2026 to deliver outcomes that strengthen liveability, safety and economic opportunity across Golden Plains Shire.”
For further information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/state-election-2026.